Fifth-year net-minder earns first career selection to ECHL’s midseason classic.

SHREWSBURY, NJ – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings, are excited to announce goaltender Ryan Bednard has been selected to the 2024 ECHL All-Star Team as part of the 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Gulfstream.

Swamp Rabbits fans can watch Bednard represent Greenville in the League’s midseason showcase, hosted by the Savannah Ghost Pirates, on Monday, January 15, at 7:00 p.m. ET at Enmarket Arena. The game will air LIVE exclusively on NHL Network and be streamed via FloHockey.

Bednard’s all-star selection is the first of his five-year professional career. Through 15 games in the 2023-24 campaign, the 6’5″, 207-pound net-minder compiled a record of 8-7-0-0 with one shutout, a 3.27 GAA, and 0.903 SV%. With his lone shutout earned thus far, Bednard became the Swamp Rabbits all-time leader with 7 to his credit.

A native of Macomb Township, Mich. Bednard, boasts a record of 65-52-10-3 in 133 ECHL games with nine shutouts, a 2.85 GAA, and 0.909 SV% with the Swamp Rabbits, Wheeling Nailers, and South Carolina Stingrays. Four of his five professional seasons have come in The Upstate, earning a record of 49-33-7-3 with his team record seven shutouts, a 2.78 GAA, and 0.912 SV% in 94 games. Additionally, Bednard has logged 17 games, six wins, and one shutout in the American Hockey League with the Springfield Thunderbirds, Syracuse Crunch, Hershey Bears, Abbotsford Canucks, and Belleville Senators. Before turning professional, the 26-year-old backstopper skated in the NCAA with Bowling Green State University, the USHL with the Youngstown Phantoms, and the NAHL with the Johnstown Tomahawks. The Florida Panthers drafted him in the 2015 NHL Draft (7^th Rd/#206).

The 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Gulfstream will consist of the host Savannah Ghost Pirates taking on a team of ECHL All-Stars representing the other teams in the League. The event will also feature several skills events, which will count as a goal towards the winning player’s team score. The 2024 ECHL All-Star Skills Competition will occur between periods of the game, with results counting towards the cumulative score. The game’s first two periods will be 5-on-5, while the final period will consist of 3-on-3.

There have been 72 players from the ECHL All-Star Game have gone on to play in the National Hockey League, including 56 since 2002.

The roster for the ECHL All-Stars was determined by a vote of coaches, team captains, media relations directors, broadcasters, and media members.

ECHL All-Star Roster

Goaltenders
Ryan Bednard, Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Peyton Jones, Iowa Heartlanders
Thomas Milic, Norfolk Admirals

Defensemen
Kris Myllari, Allen Americans
Jalen Smereck, Cincinnati Cyclones
Nathan Staios, Florida Everblades
Gabriel Chicoine, Maine Mariners
Jonny Tychonick, Newfoundland Growlers
Connor Moore, South Carolina Stingrays
Luka Profaca, Tulsa Oilers
Kyle Mayhew, Utah Grizzlies
Trevor Cosgrove, Worcester Railers

Forwards
Patrick Grasso, Adirondack Thunder
Mitch Fossier, Atlanta Gladiators
Jack Dugan, Fort Wayne Komets
Mark Rassell, Idaho Steelheads
Cameron Hillis, Indy Fuel
Brendan Harris, Jacksonville Icemen
Ty Glover, Kalamazoo Wings
Max Andreev, Kansas City Mavericks
Mitchell Hoelscher, Orlando Solar Bears
Alex Aleardi, Rapid City Rush
Matt Brown, Reading Royals
Brandon Hawkins, Toledo Walleye
Anthony Beauregard, Trois-Rivières Lions
Dillon Hamaliuk, Wheeling Nailers
Peter Bates, Wichita Thunder

Serving as the start of the All-Star festivities, the Savannah Ghost Pirates will also be hosting Fan Fest on Sunday, January 14, at Enmarket Arena. Fan Fest will feature live music, interactive games, player autographs, giveaways, and an exclusive area dedicated to the Hockey Hall of Fame featuring some of hockey’s most famed memorabilia exhibits and trophies. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets for Fan Fest.

The 16th class of the ECHL Hall of Fame will be officially inducted at a luncheon presented by BFL CANADA and Sutton Special Risk on Monday, January 15, at noon at the Savannah Convention Center. Tickets include a plated lunch with the ECHL Hall of Fame ceremony and are on sale for $75 per person.

The 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic, presented by Gulfstream, will occur on Monday, January 15, 2024, at Enmarket Arena. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets today!

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 28 teams in 20 states and two Canadian provinces for its 36th season in 2023-24. There have been 744 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including four who have made their NHL debuts in the 2023-24 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 28 of the 32 NHL teams in 2023-24, marking the 27th consecutive season that the League has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.

About the Greenville Swamp Rabbits …
Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team has provided family-friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly the Greenville Road Warriors, the Swamp Rabbits are the highest-level professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s LA Kings and the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Greenville is an ECHL Premier’ AA’ Hockey League member.

GREENVILLE SWAMP RABBITS

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By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack entered the third period down two goals but scored four times to win dramatically, 6-4, over the Providence Bruins at the XL Center on Wednesday night.

“It was a win-by-committee tonight,” Wolf Pack Interim Head Coach Steve Smith said after the game. “The guys were pretty resilient. We didn’t start well. I saw a hungry group, and we did a way better job getting pucks in deep and chasing them down. We talked about it before, and sometimes it goes in one ear and out the other. In the third period, a lot of guys brought into it.”

Alex Bezile scored the game-winner, his second goal of the contest and seventh of the season, on a late power play just seconds into the opportunity. Adam Edström added an empty netter to seal the win.

Belzile was in front of the net and took a pass from Mac Hallowell, showed patience with an open net, and buried it past Providence goalie Michael DiPietro, who scrambled to get back in position and, in the process knocked the net off its moorings. A review was called for while the crowd continued to celebrate.

There hasn’t been this kind of energy in the XL Center for a Pack win over the Bruins since May 2015, when Chris Mueller won a game late.

“It’s what Alex Belzile has done for us all year so far. He has been a calming influence with young players and with puck on the ice and he has been a real pro. He’s almost a coach on the ice. He’s always talking, after shifts. He showed a lot poise. If the net got (partially knocked off). I was happy for him to get one (game winner),” said Smith.

THIRD PERIOD

After the Bruins potted three goals in the second to take a 4-2 lead, the Pack came out of their locker room with fire and outshot them eight-to-zero. Their increased effort had the Bruins on their heels, and the Pack earned a critical 39-second five-on-three power play in the middle of the period. Dan Ranouf put the Bruins a player short with a tripping call at 7:16, followed by Michael Callahan joining him in the penalty box when he was called for hooking at 8:37.

The Callahan call came after Nikolas Brouillard had a solid rush up the ice and split the two defenders going forehand-to-backhand and hitting the side of the net before the ref blew the whistle and gave the Pack a two-man advantage.

Smith took a propitious timeout, and assistant coach Jamie Tardif drew up the play.

“Jamie, drew something up for us. I felt at that time Jonny’s line had just been out there. They were a little tired. I took the timeout, told Jaimie tell them to take a breath. Jamie, drew something up for them and it worked. Soon after the faceoff, we were able to capitalize on it, “Smith said.

It took just 14 seconds for Belzile to score on the two-man advantage at 8:51. He tipped in a Jonny Brodzinski’s pass in front of the net for his sixth goal of the season, cutting the Pack deficit in half.

Brodzinski, the Pack Captain, was leading his team throughout the game but really stood out in the third frame.

“Ask him to hit, he’ll do that. Ask him to score a goal he does that. He’s good on special teams. That’s why he’s our leader here,” Smith stated.

The power play, near the bottom of the league and such an issue for the team last season, has continually improved this season.

“Guys communicate well, and Jamie is doing a great job with them, and they’re buying into what he’s selling. We work on special teams every week.”

PACK TIES THE GAME

The Pack tied the game when Brodzinski received the puck from Hollowell in his zone and raced out. He saw rookie Brennan Othamann had gotten a step on the Bruins defenseman Jakub Zrobil.

Brodzinski fired the puck off the left-wing center ice boards and, like a five-ball side-pocket shot, caught Othmann in full flight.

Othmann corralled in the puck on its edge and about to slip off his stick. He settled it down and put it past DiPietro through the five-hole for his third goal of the season at 12:15.

“I had tried that (move) a couple of times. I have been unlucky of late. I was able to get a handle on it and tuck it five-hole. I was really glad that it went in. It took some weight off my shoulders. I’m really glad we came out and found a way to win,” a smiling Othman said of his first goal since opening weekend.

“I felt like I had the step on the D (defense). Jonny is a top 5 player in the American (Hockey) League. I have a lot respect for him and he make an outstanding pass. I just tried to bury it the best I could,” Othmann said.

Smith had praise for the rookie. “He’s a natural goal scorer, and it has been a bit of a dry spell for him lately, and the entire bench was pretty happy for him. Watching a smile on his face and helped put smiles on everybody else’s faces.”

Othmann reflected on the Pack’s slow start.

“We didn’t play up to our standards for as good a team that we have and the veterans that we have. Providence is a good team, but we never gave up,” commented Othmann.

SECOND PERIOD

In the second period, the Pack started fast.

The Pack got two shots just seconds apart. The first came from Anton Blidh and then Karl Henriksson.

Othmann then got the puck in deep. Bezile retrieved it before he saw Brodzinski come into the left-wing circle. He sent the puck to Brodzinski, who took the puck at the faceoff dot and rifled in his 11th of the season past DiPietro at 1:46. It gave the Pack a short-lived 2-1 lead.

A turnover in their zone led to a quick two-on-one as Reilly Walsh took the puck and found John Farinacci on the left wing to turn it into a two-on-one rush. Farinacci passed to Luke Toporowski in the right-wing circle, and he uncorked a rocket past Pack starter Dylan Garand at 3:58 to knot the game at two goals each.

The game was played evenly until the Bruins scored twice 40 seconds apart to break it open.

Callahan scored the first while in traffic in front of Garand. He fired his shot off the far post for his first goal of the season at 14:53, taking advantage of work by Trevor Kuntar and Joey Abate to set the play in motion.

The Pack struggled to get the puck out of their zone, which led to the fourth goal.

Frederic Brunett intercepted a pass and got it over to Trevor Kuntar at the right side of the net about ten feet out. Garand saved it but left a rebound for Abate to quickly put into the net for his fourth on the season.

“They’re the best .500 team we’ve seen all year so far. They’re big, tough, strong, fast, and have two of the better goaltenders in the league. We had a really difficult time scoring against them the last two or three years. We got bodies to the net,” Smith stated. “We gave them some chances early in the game and gave them less later in the game. When the game was on the line, guys shut things down.”

FIRST PERIOD

The Bruins struck first and fast in the first period.

Renouf intercepted the puck at center ice and sent it into the right-wing corner to Farinacci. He spotted an unchecked, wide-open in front, Marc MacLaughlin, who buried his second goal of the campaign past Garand just 30 seconds into the game.

Hollowell’s return to action paid big dividends as he got the puck from Adam Sýkora, danced off the right-wing point, and gave it to Henriksson on the left side. Henriksson potted his fourth of the season and gave the Pack momentum heading into the locker room as the goal came with just 2.7 seconds remaining.

The Pack return to action on Friday when they host the Belleville Senators at the XL Center.

LINES:

Karl Henriksson-Anton Blidh-Adam Sýkora
Alex Belzile-Riley Nash-Brennan Othmann
Adam Edström-Jonny Brodzinski-Brett Berard
Matt Rempe-Ryder Korczak- Bobby Trivigno

Nikolas Brouillard-Matt Cairns
Brandon Scanlin-Mac Hollowell
Zach Berzolla-Matt Robertson

Dylan Garand
Louie Domingue

SCRATCHES:

D Ben Harpur (Upper-Body, Month-to-Month)
F Jake Leschyshyn (Upper-Body, Week-to-Week)
F Turner Elson (Healthy)
D Grant Gabriele (Healthy)
D Blake Hillman (Healthy)
F Drew Worrad (Not in residence).

NOTES:

Harpur’s upper-body injury has been upgraded to month-to-month. Other media outlets are reporting that he had surgery and that his season is over. The team and organization say multiple months but have not yet thrown the white flag on the season.

The Wolf Pack executed a minor deal with ECHL implications. Tim Doherty was acquired from the Chicago Wolves and played with the Maine Mariners (ECHL). He led the Mariners in scoring (21 goals and 73 points) last season. He was assigned to the organization’s ECHL affiliates, the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Doherty, from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, played his prep-school hockey at St. George’s Prep (RIPREP)  and for BC collegiately.

His cousins are the Quinn brothers, Jack and Luke in New Jersey, the youngest Hughes. Quinton is captain of the Vancouver Canucks.

Former Wolf Pack C.J. Smith, who they lost after just 21 games last season to a hip flexor/groin problem that required surgery, has signed with JYP Jyväskylä (Finland-FEL). That makes him the 104th AHL’er from last season to sign in Europe and the 17th to go to Finland. Only Sweden has more, with 37.

24 of the 30 players from last year’s Wolf Pack roster are now skating elsewhere in North America and Europe, a record. The other three are part of the organization skating in Cincinnati (ECHL), two are with the Rangers, and one is out of hockey.

The post-Kris Knoblauch bump in Edmonton is over with two straight losses. They blew a 2-0 lead in Florida against the Panthers on Monday. Don’t be surprised if a Wolf Pack player or two winds up in Edmonton at some point.

Two sons of the Hartford Whalers from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins were recalled. Alexander Nylander  (Mikael Nylander was also an ex-New York Ranger) and Jansen Harkins (Todd Harkins) were recalled by the parent Pittsburgh Penguins.

Ex-CT Whale, now a P-Bruin, Jayson Megna, made a big switch in the off-season. After he thought Colorado would be his home and signed there with his parents in Boston, they can see their 2½-year-old granddaughter no more often living 50 minutes away.

Megna’s brother Jaycob, after having career minutes of playing time in San Jose, where he was playing 23 minutes a game, is now sitting in the press box.

MAXIM BARBASHEV

The unsigned Rangers’ fifth-round draft pick, Maxim Barbashev, who played in Wolf Pack pre-season games and was in Pack training camp, was traded yet again. He is Ivan’s younger brother (Vegas-NHL). He had nine points in 15 games and was traded from the Western Conference’s Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL), who are in sixth place, to the fourth-place Eastern conference Rimouski Oceanic. He gets traded for a right-handed shooting right winger from Czechia (Czech Republic), Jan Sprynar.

It’s Barbashev’s third QMJHL team in less than a year.

A veteran QMJHL scout opined on Barbashev.

“(He’s) a strong player – a bull in a china shop. He can make plays but is inconsistent, and (he has) some holes in his game, like any young player. He teases you with a lot of his game, and that’s where you see the inconsistency. I saw him in one game this season. He had two points in his first five shifts-then nothing the rest of the night.”

After 14 games with the Rapid City Rush (ECHL), the Tucson Roadrunners signed ex-Pack Tyson Helgesen to a PTO deal. His brother, Kenton, is on that team as well.

Mike Holland of the CT Chiefs (EHL) commits to Division III SUNY-Brockport (SUNYAC).

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

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By: Dana Grey, Cincinnati Cyclones

Cincinnati acquires rights to forward Tim Doherty and sends Berg to Utah.    

CINCINNATI, OH – Due to an American Hockey League trade today between the Chicago Wolves and Hartford Wolfpack, the Cincinnati Cyclones have acquired the ECHL rights to forward Tim Doherty from the Maine Mariners. This move finalizes the trade of former Cyclones defenseman Billy Constantinou to the Mariners and sends a new future consideration from Cincinnati to Maine.

Doherty has played ten games this year with Maine and recorded eight points (0g, 8a). The 28-year-old signed an American League contract with the Chicago Wolves this June. He spent the entire last season with the Mariners and racked up 73 points (21g, 52a).

The Portsmouth, RI native is in his 4th professional year and has spent time with the Allen Americans and Wheeling Nailers as well.

Prior to his professional career, the lefty played three seasons at the University of Maine. During his time in Orono, Doherty earned 77 points in over 100 collegiate games.

Cincinnati also traded Adam Berg forward today to Utah with future considerations returning to the ‘Clones.

Adam Berg joins Utah after playing eight games (1g, 1a) with Cincy this year. The rookie scored the first goal of the regular season for the Cyclones, coming off his 19 games in Cincinnati last season.

The 26-year-old played four seasons at Brock University, totaling over 91 games. Previously in the WHL, Berg recorded 46 points during his time with Regina and Edmonton over a three-year span.

Call (513) 421-PUCK for tickets and more information, and stay on top of all the latest team updates and information on Facebook, Twitter (@CincyCyclones), and Instagram, along with our website, cycloneshockey.com.

CINCINNATI CYCLONES

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By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack ended an unbeaten preseason by slaying the Bridgeport Islanders 3-1 at the Koeppel Community Center on the campus of Trinity College on Saturday.

“We got a chance to see a lot of the guys we’ll have in the opening night lineup and expected to be with the team,” Wolf Pack Head Coach Kris Knoblauch said. “To be fair to the Islanders, they were still looking at a lot of guys, looking to make cuts. It wasn’t a real representation of their team.”

The lineup will be tweaked before opening night on Friday in Providence against the Bruins. The following 24-48 hours will determine who plays with whom.

The New York Rangers put both Pack Captain Jonny Brodzinski and Ben Harpur were placed on waivers on Friday and needed to clear them before they could report to Hartford and play. During the game with Bridgeport, they cleared the waiver wire and are officially with the team, as is Brennan Othmann. The team will need to slice two forwards and one player who qualifies as a veteran, as the team now has six when the maximum allowable is five.

“With Jonny and Othmann, we have big decisions to make at forward. We have to take two guys out of the lineup from today. We have a veteran issue with Harpur here, but he is a quality defenseman you would like to have in your lineup. We have a lot of quality hockey (guys) here, so there will be some difficult decisions to make,” Knoblauch said. “We have just a little bit of time. We hope that by Monday, everything is settled and good (lineup) in place.”

The Pack power play tallied two goals and showed promise, while last year’s was highly ineffective.

“We added a lot of skilled guys there on defense and at forward with guys like Riley Nash. We added four guys, and there is an expectation that the powerplay will be better than last year.”

The first goal came off a blast from a newcomer, the recently assigned Mac Hollowell, who was perfectly positioned in the left-wing faceoff circle. He one-timed a right-point pass from fellow newcomer Nikolas Brouillard. Hollowell was on his off-wing side and sent it to the top shelf at 15:14 of the first.

“It was a very good shot. (Hollowell) looked off the (forward) and gave Nik that extra second to make that pass. A lot of good positives from that play,” remarked Knoblauch.

The pair factored in the third goal as well.

Hollowell sent a pass to Brouillard, who then wired a one-timed slapshot that evaded the Islanders’ Tanner Lennox, who played the entire game. The goal came at 46 seconds on a penalty called on ex-Pack Tanner Fritz, which had carried over into the period, making it a 3-1 lead and earning him his second point of the afternoon.

“Nik was very good for us this afternoon. He moved the puck around well. He and (Hollowell) looked like high-caliber AHL players. We were able to put those guys out there together, and with changes we may have, it might not be possible. They (both) made a lot of nice plays,” said Knoblauch.

The Islanders tied it late in the first as Samuel Asselin, a Pack killer the past two seasons when he was a Providence Bruin, tied the game at one. He won a one-on-one battle against Brandon Scanlin and scored with 44.4 left in the first frame.

The Wolf Pack made it 2-1 when Jake Leschyshyn won the draw to start the scoring sequence, and Blake Hillman finished. Hartford was never in danger of losing the lead as they controlled play in both ends of the ice.

Having all three goals come from the backline helps the forwards.

“Nik and Mac and the others played very well tonight, and we’ll need that going forward.”

Veteran Louie Domingue played the whole contest in net for the Wolf Pack. He stopped 18 of 19 shots in his only preseason action.

“He stopped one or two breakaways (one from Fritz on the right wing). He played the way you would expect a veteran goalie to play. He could be an NHL goalie. We’re very fortunate to have him here, “Knoblauch commented.

His best period was the second, stopping golden scoring chances from Aidan Fulp at the right point,  William Dufour from the left wing, and Jeff Kubiak with 3:30 left.

NOTES:

As expected, the Rangers assigned Othmann to Hartford. The talented forward split last between Peterborough with the Petes and in Flint (OHL) with the Firebirds. He had 24 points in 16 games in Flint before the trade last November. He registered 43 points in 40 games while in Peterborough.

Othmann played on the Canadian WJC team and, in the playoffs, had 25 points in 23 games for Peterborough, who became the eventual OHL playoff champions. He also had the opportunity to play in the Memorial Cup last spring.

The Wolf Pack made significant cuts on Friday.

Off to their new ECHL affiliate, the Cincinnati Cyclones, went Sahil Panwar and goalies Olof Lindbom and Talyn Boyko.

Defenseman Matt Cairns, Billy Constatinou, and Steven McLaren.

Forwards Luka Burzan, James Hardie, and Michael Mrazik.

Defenseman Chris Cameron was released and heads to the Indy Fuel (ECHL), and Peter Laviolette III was released and heads to the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL).

The ECHL opens its training camp on Monday.

Ryan McCleary, the son of former New Haven Senator Trent McCleary, was cut loose and will head back to the Swift Current Broncos  (WHL) junior team to play his overage year in his hometown.

The Wolf Pack has 19 forwards, nine defensemen, and three goalies (28 total) on the roster. The team will see a switch of between three to five players possible by opening night.

The Islanders sent 19 players to Bridgeport, including Ruslan Iskharov (UCONN). 10 of those 19 went to waivers first and were then formally assigned.

Ex-Bridgeport Sound Tiger/Islander/Wolf Pack Paul Thompson, a Springfield resident, announced his retirement from hockey Saturday.

One-time Sound Tiger Will Cullen leaves HK Olimpija Ljubljana (Slovenia-IceHL) and signs with the Toledo  Walleye (ECHL).

Quite a few players with CT connections were put on waivers before being assigned to their minor league teams.

The Detroit Red Wings sent Artem Anisimov (Wolf Pack), Brogan Rafferty (Quinnipiac University), Nolan Stevens (the son of former Hartford Whaler John Stevens), Wyatt Newpower (UCONN), Tim Gettinger (Wolf Pack) and Austin Czarnik (Sound Tigers) to the Grand Rapids Griffins after all of them made it through waivers.

Will Lockwood (Wolf Pack) is on waivers from the Florida Panthers before going to the Charlotte Checkers. The Carolina Hurricanes sent Kieffer Bellows through waivers to yet unknown AHL destination.

Samuel Poulin, the son of ex-Whaler Patrick Poulin, was sent to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The Nashville Predators sent Jachym Kondelik (UCONN) to the Milwaukee Admirals.

Jordan Timmons (UCONN) leaves the Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL) and signs with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL).

The Washington Capitols Dylan McIlrath (Wolf Pack) and Joe Snively (Yale University) are both ticketed for the Hershey Bears.

The Columbus Blue Jackets expose Billy Sweezey (Yale University) before he heads to the Cleveland Monsters. Ryan Carpenter (Wolf Pack) goes down just around the corner by the San Jose Sharks.

The Calgary Wranglers assign Nick DeSimone to the Rapid City Rush (ECHL).

One curious note was the absence of winger Tristan Mullin, who was acquired but never showed for camp.

The team refused to comment on the matter. Whether he was injured or dissatisfied in some fashion remains unknown.

The last two games were also an important fundraiser for the Roger Jacob Poulin Foundation.

The attendees were suggested to make a $5 donation for a child sadly struck down by child cancer in his brief life. In his name, much work non-hockey has been done for ill children.

UCONN opened their season on the road with a non-conference meeting with Colgate University on  Saturday night. They won 4-2 over the Red Raiders, who ex-Pack Mike Harder coaches.

Matt Wood, Nashville’s #15 overall draft choice, opened the scoring for the Huskies. There were three goals in a span of 46 goals in the first. Ryan McGuire (New Canaan), the son of former Whalers’ head coach Pierre McGuire, scored Colgate’s first goal and added an assist.

Joey Muldowney had two assists for UCONN as part of their opening-night victory.

The defending national champions, the Quinnipiac University Bobcats (ECACHL), raised their national championship banner before battling in a non-conference contest with a loaded Boston College Eagles squad Saturday night in Hamden at the M&T Bank Arena before an SRO crowd.

The Bobcats, despite a sterling performance by goalie Vinny Duplessis (BU grad transfer), lost 2-1 with nine seconds left in overtime on opening night.

Ex-Pack Brandon Alderson signs with the Cardiff Devils (Wales-EIHL).

Brent Raedeke, the nephew of New Haven Nighthawk Mark Raedeke, signs with the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL).

A good listen for hockey fans is Offsides Episode 7, heard on Canadian radio stations such as TSN 690 in Montreal. It’s hosted by former Yale University player Ryan Steeves, who had a brief three-year minor pro career, and ex-CT Whale Brendan Bell, who had a 13-year pro career.

Both are parents of youth-aged hockey players, and they coach at that level. Their host presented an articulate, erudite discussion of world hockey at the youth level.

Both men are Lead Instructors for the Ottawa Sports Academy and present a well-balanced, articulate analysis of the issues plaguing youth hockey in the US and Canada over the last several years.

HARTFORD WOLF PACK

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HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack announced their home game promotional schedule for the 2023-34 season. It features the return of last year’s successful “Pucks and Paws” event, where fans can bring their beloved dogs to the game.

The date for the “Pucks and Paws” game is December 22nd against the Bridgeport Islanders. That date is one of the season’s 72-game schedule featuring 36 home dates.

Another favorite returning is “Hops and Hockey Night” on December 30th, also against the Islanders.

HARTFORD RELATED PLAYER MOVES

Ex-Pack goalie Keith Kinkaid has dissolved his association with the Chicago Wolves. He signed a one-year, two-way deal with the New Jersey Devils and their AHL affiliates, the Utica Devils. The contract pays $775K in the NHL and $350K for games in the AHL. There are reports he could still be assigned to Chicago if he is reassigned to the AHL.

A trusted West Coast NHL team source said of Kinkaid, “He can play well. We talked with two teams he has played for. We got a thumbs down on him. He’s not a good locker room guy. So, we opted not to sign or offer him a deal.”

Rayen Petrovický, the son of former Hartford Whaler/Ranger Róbert Petrovický, signs with HC Liberec (Czechia-CEL). He was then loaned to VHK Vestin Czechia (Czech Republic) Division-II. The move makes him eligible to play for both teams next season.

CONNOR BLEACKLEY

Connor Bleackley, another ex-Pack, moves on from the Maine Mariners (ECHL), who are coached by ex-Pack Terrance Wallin (Hotchkiss Prep), to the Rapid City Rush (ECHL).

Incidentally, Bleackley was the last Wolf Pack player signed before the pandemic hit. The Pack were severely shorthanded for a game against the Providence Bruins. Bleackley was signed after the Pack saw three players suspended from a brawl in Springfield against the Thunderbirds a few days earlier. Those three were Vinni Letterieri, now with the Iowa Wild, Mason Geersten, playing for the Henderson Silver Knights, and the retired Matt Beleskey. Then there were injury issues in New York, and then captain Steve Fogarty was on an emergency recall in Colorado by the Rangers, which necessitated the signing of Bleackley.

After the loss to the Bruins, then Pack Danny O’Regan told Howlings in his post-game comments, “You can’t construct a lineup in 36 hours and expect to win.”

EX-BRIDGEPORT PLAYERS ON THE MOVE

Some ex-Sound Tigers get some new addresses.

Casey Bailey signs a PTO deal with Ottawa. Connor McCarthy, who played part-time over the last two years with the Islanders after training camp, was dropped by HC Banska Bystrica (Slovakia-SLEL). He signs with St. Georges-de-Beauce (LNAH).

Kieffer Bellows signs a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, and Mark Louis, who played briefly in Bridgeport, departs Cardiff (Wales-EIHL) and signs with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL).

CASSELS FAMILY STAYING ACTIVE

Cruz Cassels, the youngest son of former Whaler Andrew Cassels, is with the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets U-14 AAA (T1EHL). Birk, his second son, is also with their program. He plays with the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets U-18 AAA (T1EHL) and is an Ottawa 67’s (OHL) 2022 Draftee. His oldest, Cole, played with both Södertälje SK (Sweden-Allsvenskan) and the Belleville Senators last year. He just signed a one-year deal with San Jose Barracuda (AHL) for next season. Their cousins are in the NHL. Justin Barron is with the Montreal Canadiens, while ex-Pack Morgan Barron is with the Winnipeg Jets. Morgan signed a two-year extension earlier this summer.

ROB MALLOY

Cheshire native and former Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack, Rob “Bert” Malloy, confirmed via e-mail from New South Wales that he is happy to decompress from his one-win season for his local AIHL expansion team, the Central Coast Rhinos. Malloy hopes to return next season for a better season in the league’s 23rd year. He finished second in team scoring with ten goals and 31 points in 19 games. Malloy hopes to get one more crack at the Australian National team in April when they play at the IIHF Group A Division II tournament in Serbia.

He will hope to start with a three-game series against neighbor and Southern Hemispheric rival, New Zealand, and looks to lengthen his play from last year’s tournament in Madrid, where he suffered a broken jaw in their game against Israel.

That led to a harrowing experience in a Spanish hospital where nobody spoke English.

16 native Australians are on the national team.

Malloy hopes in his post-season career, whenever it starts, to coach at the junior level with the Central Coast Stingrays team and help grow the game in Australia.

NHL DOWN UNDER

Malloy, like others, is anxiously waiting for the NHL exhibition games to be played this week in the Land Down Under at the Rod Laver Arena. They will be the first two NHL games ever to be played there. The two games will air the pair of Los Angeles Kings – Arizona Coyotes contests on the NHL Network. The games will be played on Friday, September 22nd, and September 23rd at 9 p.m., 17 hours ahead in the Pacific time zone, where they will be played at 2 p.m. local time.

Melbourne’s ice hockey rink seats only 1,500. The Henke Rink at the O’Brien Icehouse in the Dockland’s precinct of Melbourne is home to two AIHL teams, the Ice and Mustangs. A building only seating 1,500 is not suitable for NHL hockey.

The first Australian to score an NHL goal was Nathan Walker, now with the St. Louis Blues. “Stormy” Walker scored in his NHL debut on October 7th, 2017, with the Washington Capitals. He was born in Cardiff, Wales, but raised in Sydney, Australia.

Jorden Spence of the LA Kings will be on one of the teams as an Australian native born in Manly, New South Wales – NSW, Australia. His family moved to Osaka, Japan, and eventually landed in Cornwall, PEI (Prince Edward Island), Canada.

The first Australian ever drafted was Darren Gani (Perth, AUS). He grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, and back in 1984, he participated in the Edmonton Oilers’ training camp.

MORE AUSSIE NEWS

One of the other three players with a little Aussie in them includes ex-Pack and current Ranger Bryce Harpur. He is a dual-born citizen; his mother, Margery, is Australian.

Ex-King, who played briefly with the Wolf Pack, Steve McKenna, played in the AIHL (Adelaide Avalanche) and coached the Australian national team for a few years.

No Australian has his name on the Stanley Cup. Just one Australian player is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Tommy Dunderdale of Benalla, AUS, was inducted post-humously in 1974. He was credited with the very first penalty-shot goal in NHL history. He was a prominent player in the early 20th century as he skated with the Pacific Coast Hockey Association (PCHA). Dunderdale grew up, learned hockey in Winnipeg, and played against the Montreal Canadiens before they were in the NHL.

The 114-year-old Goodall Cup is awarded each season to the AIHL champion. Two weeks ago, it was awarded to the Melbourne Mustangs. The Goodall Cup is the fifth oldest trophy competed for in hockey.

Three Southern Hemisphere countries are full members of the IIHF in ice hockey. They include South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Just seven NHL players in league history have been born in that hemisphere.

The Arizona Coyotes, at its temporary home in Tempe, the Mullett Arena at ASU (Arizona State University), is 8,227 miles from Melbourne. The LA Kings will travel 7,932 miles to play the game.

The Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) have Alec Nasredinne, the son of former Sound Tiger player and current Dallas assistant coach Alain Nasredinne. They also have Brady Schultz (Monroe, CT), the grandson of former Whaler Norm Barnes, and Liam Kilfoil, formerly of Selects Academy at South Kent Pre,p on their lineup as the junior season gets underway.

In other moves, Pat Harper (AOF/New Canaan) signed a training camp Professional Try-Out (PTO) contract with the Arizona Coyotes.

Connor Stokes, with the Selects Academy at South Kent Prep program, commits to the Sault Ste. Marie Eagles (NOJHL).

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By: Mark Shelley, Greenville Swamp Rabbits

GREENVILLE, S.C. – The Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the ECHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings, announced today that the club has signed forward JD Greenway to an ECHL contract ahead of the 2023-24 Season presented by Bon Secours.

Greenway, 25, signs with the Swamp Rabbits after appearing in 21 games for the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins last season. In what would be his second season with the Bruins, Greenway posted a pair of assists to add to his two assists in 16 games during the 2021-22 season.

A native of Canton, New York, Greenway split time between Providence and the ECHL’s Maine Mariners during 2021-22, skating in 26 games for the Mariners and posting five assists. The dual assignment saw the 6’6″, 212-pounder begin the transition from defense to offense.

Before turning professional, Greenway was drafted in 2016 by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round before beginning his collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA-DI). After appearing in 46 games for the Badgers over two seasons, Greenway spent the 2018-19 season in the United States Hockey League with the Dubuque Fighting Saints before returning to college hockey and transferring to the University of Maine. In 48 games over his final two collegiate seasons, Greenway recorded 15 points (3g, 12a) from the blue line.

The Swamp Rabbits will open the 2023-24 Season presented by Bon Secours on Saturday, October 21, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Swamp Rabbits Single-Game tickets, Full Season, and Half Season Tickets for the 2023-24 season are on sale now at SwampRabbits.com or by calling(864) 674-7825.

About the Greenville Swamp Rabbits …

Acquired by Spire Sports + Entertainment (SS+E) in 2020, the Greenville Swamp Rabbits hockey team has provided family-friendly, live entertainment at Bon Secours Wellness Arena since 2010. Formerly the Greenville Road Warriors, the Swamp Rabbits are the highest-level professional minor league franchise in South Carolina. The Swamp Rabbits are the proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s LA Kings and the AHL’s Ontario Reign. Greenville is an ECHL Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League member.

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HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack are not the only team looking to make a few late signings and moves. A few stray signings this week as Labor Day approaches.

Tanner Fritz has resolved his contract situation.

On Thursday morning, his situation was unresolved, but by that afternoon, it had concluded. Fritz signed a one-year AHL deal to return to the Bridgeport Islanders, where he spent his first six years. He spent the last two in Hartford.

Fritz (the second player named Fritz to play in Hart City and Park City) often played out of position to help when the Wolf Pack were shorthanded at forward.

He had talks with Hartford and Springfield, all to tend to his son’s special needs.

MISCELLANEOUS HARTFORD RELATED NEWS

Ex-Pack Alex Bourret was named head coach for the CCL Dynamiques M (minor)15 team (QBAAA).

The Islanders named ex-Pack/Ranger Pascal Rheaume as one of the two new assistant coaches to work with their new head coach, Rick Kowalsky. It’s his first AHL stint. He was initially an assistant with Iowa in 2015-16. The last two years he spent with the Trois-Rivières Lions (ECHL).

Bryce McConnell-Barker might be in Wolf Pack training camp, but his ticket back to Sault Ste. Greyhounds Marie (OHL) is already stamped. He spent three weeks here last spring without playing a game before being released.

Like Will Cullye and Brennan Othmann before him, he is still 19 and can’t play in the AHL until his junior season. He will likely captain the Greyhounds and be on the 2024 Canadian WJC Team. McConnell-Barker hopes to be like Othmann, go deep in the OHL playoffs, and maybe get a shot at the Memorial Cup.

An ex-Pack/Ranger, Libor Hájek, has signed as a PTO training camp invite with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Next year, he will go to the Penguins and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). He joins another ex-Pack, Ryan Graves, who starts his first season of a six-year deal in the Keystone State.

Howlings learned that Adam Samuelsson, the youngest son of Hartford Whaler great Ulf Samuelsson, an ex-New York Ranger whose Whalers #5 is “retired” in the XL rafters. Ulf is also a former Wolf Pack and Avon Old Farms assistant coach. Adam will attend the training camp on an invite basis of the independent Chicago Wolves this fall. He signed a deal with Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL) earlier this summer.

Sam Gagner, the son of former New Haven Nighthawk/Ranger Dave Gagner, has gone from the Winnipeg Jets to the  Edmonton Oilers on a PTO deal. Gagner was a first-round pick of the Oilers in 2007 and had 519 career points in 1,015 games played with seven different teams.

HAGELIN CALLS IT A CAREER

Carl Hagelin, who played 17 games for the CT Whale en route to 713 NHL games and who won two Stanley Cups, two silver medals for Sweden in the Olympics and the WJC, and two NCAA national titles in four full years at Michigan, had a career of 152 points in 171 games – a sure-fire entrant in the Wolverine HOF.

After a year off, Hagelin retires from active playing, resulting from an eye injury suffered in practice two years ago in Washington. Hagelin exceeded expectations as a sixth-round draft choice, as it was considered a stretch that he would ever play in the NHL. He was supposed to be too small and slight. However, nobody could catch him with his outstanding speed.

Hagelin was traded early Saturday morning for the Anaheim Ducks’ Emerson Etem in late June 2015.

MORE MOVES

Madison Bowey goes from the Laval Rocket to Dynamo Minsk (Belarus-KHL). Turner Ottenbreit of Iowa heads to Kunlun (China-KHL), making 78 AHL’ers signed in Europe.

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Milwaukee Admirals are the only two teams not to have lost a player.

A story on the website Detroit Hockey Now reprised a story from an Inside AHL Hockey interview with long-time Chicago Wolves GM Wendell Young. The story was that former coach Ryan Warsofsky (Sacred Heart University) was threatened with dismissal by Carolina two years ago before his Wolves team went on to win the Calder Cup final against the Springfield Thunderbirds in seven games. Warsofsky was and is now an assistant with the NHL San Jose Sharks.

Warsofky is an old friend of ex-Pack/Sound Tigers, the now-retired Bourque brothers, Chris and Ryan. He chose to play the former Yale goalie, Alex Lyon, over Carolina’s objections instead of their Russian prospect Pytor (Peter) Kochetov two springs ago.

Carolina had gone through hoops to get him to North America via Austria first because of the war in Ukraine.

Now Lyon, who then made a very public obscene gesture in the championship team picture at center ice, with a two-middle-fingered salute. It was not meant or directed at the Springfield fans but rather the Carolina management, despite having just won the Calder Cup.

Lyon was given a one-game AHL suspension for his stunt. Chicago has gone the independent route this season and has gone through four affiliates in the last seven years. Winning a championship is very important in Chicago.

Instrumental in Florida making the Stanley Cup playoffs last year, Lyon was a backup to Spencer Knight (Darien/AOF). The previous spring, they had to enter a substance abuse clinic as they made it to the finals before bowing out to the eventual champion, the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Lyon is expected to be in Grand Rapids this year to teach and tutor the highly regarded prospect Sebastian Cossa, who battled Pack goalie Dylan Garand two years ago in juniors, as they were the two best netminders in the WHL. Lyon was helped at Yale when he played by another ex-Yale goalie, Jeff Malcolm, the current Wolf Pack goalie coach.

The Red Wings have four goalie prospects: Cossa, Carter Gylander, a junior at Colgate University (ECACHL) under the guidance of new head coach ex-Pack Mike Harder, John Lethmon, a Grand Rapids returnee, and Yale-bound next year, just drafted (sixth-round) Rudy Guimond (Taft School) in Cedar Rapids (USHL) this year.

Ex-Pack Tysen Helgesen, re-signs with the Rapid City Rush (ECHL).

Chase Zieky (Avon/AOF) signs with the Maine Mariners (ECHL) for next year.

Matt Tugnutt (Sacred Heart University) leaves HC Chamonix (France-Magnus League FREL) and signs with the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL) for next season.

Ex-Pack/Sound Tiger Anthony Greco is at an unknown Frölunda HC (Sweden-SHL) destination.

Ex-Sound Tiger Brandon DeFazio announced his retirement from hockey. DeFazio played last year with ERC Schwenniger (Germany-DEL). His father, Dean DeFazio, was a former New Haven Nighthawk with four sons involved in hockey. Jeremy and Cameron have already retired. His youngest, Cole, is entering his sophomore year at Division III, Neumann (Aston, PA) College (UCHC).

Brandon has taken an amateur scouting position (Ontario region) with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Mark Osiecki, a former New Haven Senator, also becomes a Midwest region Penguins Pro Scout as he leaves the University Wisconsin-Madison (Big 10) campus.

Ex-Wolf Pack/Sound Tiger Matt Lorito, a Greenwich resident, also announced his retirement from hockey. Lorito played with EHC Wolfsburg (Germany-DEL) last year and took a pro scouting position (Midwest) with Pittsburgh.

DeFazio and Lorito join another ex-Sound Tiger, Matt Mangene, who has been a Penguins amateur scout for the last three years.

After his grad year at Michigan Tech (CCHA) after playing at Ohio State (Big 10), Ryan O’Connell becomes the 63rd college player to sign in Europe with Toulouse-Blagnac (France-FFHG-Division-3). He is also the nephew of ex-New Haven Senator Brian Downey.

Jack Badini (Old Greenwich/CT Oilers-EHL) departed Newfoundland (St. John’s) (ECHL), had a few call-ups to Toronto (AHL), and signed overseas with Stjernen (Norway-NEL).

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By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT – Much to empty from the Reporter’s Notebook as the off-season pro hockey signings continue but slow down as the dog days of summer approach.

EX-HARTFORD WOLF PACK PLAYERS SIGNING

After playing for three European teams last year, ex-Hartford Wolf Pack Aaron Luchuk signs with Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) for next year.

Goalie Keith Kinkaid signs with the now-independent Chicago Wolves for next season.

Ex-Pack goalie François Brassard leaves Maine (ECHL)/ Providence (AHL) and signs with Ft. Wayne (ECHL) for 2023-24.

And another Ex-Pack of one season, Mike Lee (Hamden), re-signs with HC Nove Zamsky (Slovakia-SLEL) for the 2023-24 season.

OTHER CONNECTICUT RELATED PLAYERS

Rick Kowalsky, who has coached since 2005, was named the new Bridgeport Islanders head coach. Kowalsky has spent the last two seasons in Bridgeport with ex-Pack Brent Thompson, who departed and heads to the Anaheim Ducks as their new assistant coach for their new head coach, and former Sound Tigers head coach, Greg Cronin.

Ex-Sound Tiger Oliver Wahlstrom re-signs with the New York Islanders.

Ross Colton (Taft School), who was just traded to the Colorado Avalanche, re-signs with Colorado (NHL) for next year.

HARTFORD WHALERS DAY

The Hartford Yard Goats hosted the Hartford Whalers Weekend at Dunkin Donuts Park this past weekend. Some sons and daughters of the ex-Whalers are involved in coaching, management, and scouting levels in hockey.

Sydney Daniels, the daughter of Scott “Chief” Daniels, has left the scandal-plagued Harvard University (ECACHL-W) program. She is about to start her second year as the US college scout for the Winnipeg Jets, where she covers ECAC and Hockey East.

Stew Gavin made his first appearance at Whaler Day. His son Max is an assistant coach for Dartmouth College, having just completed his first season.

Kevin Dineen’s son, Will Dineen, just completed his freshmen season at Yale University (ECACHL).

The nephew ex-Whaler Mickie (Mike) Volcan, Nolan Volcan, graduates from Canadian college hockey and the University Alberta Golden Bears (CWUAA) and signs his first pro deal with the legendary Ft. Wayne Komets (ECHL).

Sutter Muzzatti, the son of ex-Whaler/Wolf Pack Jason Muzzatti, now the goalie coach with the Carolina Hurricanes, is off to RPI (ECACHL) in the fall. He was drafted last month by the hometown host city, Nashville Predators.

Dominic Turgeon, the nephew of ex-Whaler, Sylvain Turgeon and the son of soon-to-be hockey Hall of Famer Pierre Turgeon, leaves Ässät Pori (Finland-FEL) and signs with Södertälje SK (Sweden-Allsvenskan) for the 2023-24 season.

JOEY HADDAD

The Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL) announced that ex-Sound Tiger Joey Haddad was named the hockey club’s new Assistant General Manager of Business Operations & Brand Ambassador.

After retiring from playing, Haddad spent last year as the head coach of the Sydney Mitsubishi Rush U-18 of the Nova Scotia  Major Hockey League (NSMHL).

By marriage, Haddad is the younger first cousin of former New Haven Blade/Nighthawk tough guy and NHL defenseman of the 1970s and early 80s, Kevin Morrison. They’re part of a tight-knit hockey community of players of Middle Eastern descent known as the “Gaza Strip” in Sydney.

ODDS AND ENDS

Brady and Owen Schultz of Monroe, Connecticut, are the grandsons of ex-Whaler Norm Barnes. They are playing at different levels of junior hockey. Brady went undrafted and is about to start his third year in the Canadian Maritimes in major junior with the Halifax (Nova Scotia) Mooseheads (QMJHL). Owen is skating with the Northern Cyclones (Hudson, NH) (THF).

The AHL’s players moving on to Europe have risen to 60. The latest three are Kohen Olischeski of the Rochester Americans heads to Düsseldorfer EG (Germany-DEL), Alexsei Heponiemi of the Charlotte Checkers heads next door to EHC Biel/Bienne (Switzerland-LNA), and Spencer Foo leaves the Henderson Silver Knights for Kunlun (China-KHL).

The college-to-pro signings have slowed down. Per conference, the breakdown goes; Hockey East and the NCHC with 37. CCHA has 31. The Big Ten has 29, with the ECACHL having 24, the AHA at 20, and Independents with 13. Division III signings are 32, and Europe (Division I & III) is 49.

Canadian colleges have three players going back and heading to American Juniors two. None yet are headed to Canadian major junior.

Undergrads going pro early is 37, grad transfers are 44, and in-school transfers are 57.

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By: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings

HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack announced their 2023-24 home opener will be Friday, October 20, against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins for the second time in team history.

The season for the Pack will open on the road on Friday the 13th against the Providence Bruins, and the following night, the team will be in Springfield to challenge the Thunderbirds at the Mass Mutual Center.

The full schedule will be released Wednesday.

THOMPSON LEAVES BRIDGEPORT

The Bridgeport Islanders head coach, and ex-Pack defenseman, Brent Thompson, has departed The Park City to join the Anaheim Ducks, where he will join another Bridgeport coaching alum, Greg Cronin, as his new assistant. Cronin was named the new Ducks head coach last month.

Rick Kowalsky was named Thompson’s new assistant in Bridgeport last year, and like Ken Gernander a few years ago in Hartford when he saw Keith McCambridge named his new assistant, he was gone a year later.

PADDOCK

Former Wolf Pack John Paddock, 69, has retired from the Regina Pats (WHL) as Coach/GM/VP of Hockey Operations.

The AHL HOF coach won two WHL Coach of the Year honors, won a conference title, and reached a Memorial Cup final in his tenure.

In his nine years at Regina, he had 12 players drafted into the NHL. Connor Bedard was the third time a Regina player was taken first overall.

Paddock finishes with 209 wins, the second most in team history.

MISHEGOSS

Easton Armstrong, the youngest son of Wolf Pack great Derek Armstrong, who played a year-and-a-half with Paddock before being dealt to Winnipeg, will be on his third WHL team as an overage player next year. He will play with the WHL expansion Wenatchee (WA) Wild.

Ex-Pack Austin Rueschhoff will be seen up to six times next year after signing a one-year AHL deal with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Ex-Pack François Brassard departs the Maine Mariners and signs with the Ft. Wayne Komets (ECHL).

Former Bridgeport Sound Tiger Alan Quine leaves Ontario and signs with the Malmö IF Redhawks (Sweden-SHL).

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HARTFORD, CT – Howlings has exclusively learned that New York Rangers will announce on Wednesday that the organization, including The Hartford Wolf Pack, has a new ECHL affiliate after an agreement was reached with the Cincinnati Cyclones to replace the departed Jacksonville Icemen.

In 27 years, the Wolf Pack has now had four affiliate locations. They were with the Charlotte Checkers until they moved up to the AHL. They then moved on to the Greenville Road Warriors (now the Swamp Rabbits) before going to the Maine (Portland) Mariners and finally landing with Jacksonville.

There were strong signs that the professional relationship was ending when no contracted Hartford/Ranger players were on the Icemen’s end-of-season roster.

Jason Payne, the head coach of the Cyclones, is one of the few black head coaches in hockey history. His previous record as an assistant and head coach is 83-48-9-4. They didn’t play in 2020-21.

Last year, the Cyclones’ record of 47-16-6-3 (103 points) was the second-best record in the ECHL.

Payne played on one of the six all-black lines in the entire history of hockey.

He skated with the Flint Generals of the old Colonial Hockey League and is the grandfather of today’s FPHL, as Kahil Thomas, Payne, and Nick Forbes skated together.

His playing time took him to four AHL cities, all defunct places the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Carolina Monarchs, Worcester IceCats, and Saint John Flames. Seven ECHL markets Dayton, Arkansas (Little Rock), Florida, New Orleans, Idaho, Reading, and Wheeling.

Only three are left, Florida, who just won the ECHL Kelly Cup Idaho; Reading, and Wheeling,

In all, between juniors and in his 11-year minor pro career, he played in 28 cities.

Cincinnati’s season-ending roster features ex-Pack, Justin Vaive.

For his last three years, he has been in Cincinnati, known as “The Queen City” since 1819, the first two as an assistant coach. His assistant, for now, is Chad MacLeod, as of now.

Jacksonville’s head coach/GM is Nick Lukko, son of OVG co-chairman Peter Lukko and his brother Max is the GM of another OVG facility in the Mullett Arena, temporary home to the NHL Arizona Coyotes still searching for a permanent one and NCAA Division I independent, Arizona State University Sun Devils.

Jacksonville’s assistant coach is ex-CT Whale Brandon Mashinter

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CINCINNATI CYCLONES

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